Fest pledges true St. Patty's experience

Lafayette is hosting its first ever Celtic Bayou Festival, March 11 and 12 in Freetown, celebrating the Irish culture in Acadiana.

Ever wonder where common names in Acadiana like Reed, McIlhenny and McGee originate? They are family names with Celtic roots. Many people are not aware of the Celtic influence in South Louisiana. I am personally excited about this festival. My grandmother’s family was from Ireland. That part of my heritage was always overshadowed by my French and Cajun heritage. As an adult, I’ve become more and more curious about my Irish roots.

Festival organizers Tony Davoren and his wife Sheila, are 13-year Lafayette residents from Ireland and created the Celtic festival out of longing for an authentic celebration around Saint Patrick’s Day.

April Courville(Photo11: Travis Gauthier)

“There was really nothing authentic in the Acadiana region that represented the Celtic culture well,” says Davoren. “Green beer and cabbage throwing is about as authentic to the Irish as Alligator wrestling is to the people of this area.”

The two know how important it is to get it right when organizing a festival in this area. Lafayette sets the bar high for festivals so they knew they needed to really create something special.

“We decided it was up to us to create something that we thought would be fun, creative and entertaining for everybody down here,” says Davoren.

In addition to music and food, organizers have created several unique activities and events as part of the Celtic Bayou Festival to give attendees a well-rounded experience of the culture.

“Most festivals that we enjoy in the region really try to have something for the kids,” says Daveron, “but we wanted something more than just face painting and crafts.”

From red-head and freckle competitions to a puppet show and Guinness cook-off, there are activities suited for children, adults and everything in-between.

1. Bailey’s Irish Popup Pub & Whiskey Tasting

1:15 p.m. & 4 p.m. Saturday

The newly constructed temporary pub build-out will feature authentic Irish pub-style décor, complete with a Bailey’s Irish coffee bar, a stage with bands, and a whiskey tasting. The whiskey tasting will feature Whiskey Brand Ambassador James Dillon and a liquor connoisseur for the brand 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey to ensure the experience stays true to form.

“We wanted to bring an Irish feel to the festival grounds so that you could believe that you were in Ireland for the day," Daveron said.

The goal is to introduce you to Irish whiskeys and liquors that you may not have tried before. Along with the tasting, the pub will include techniques on mixing, presentation and drink combinations.

A pop-up Irish Pub complete with demonstrations and whiskey tastings will be built especially for the Festival.(Photo11: Submitted)

2. Genealogy tent

The people of Acadiana have a mix of different cultural roots, and Daveron discovered many people had a bit of Irish in their blood (like me).

“Some really know their family history and the journeys their ancestors made,” Daveron said, “others not so much.”

With modern technology and professional guidance, the genealogy tent is a way for people to find out about their lineage. Who knows, you may discover that you’re half Irish!

3. Irish Puppet Theater by Wanderlust

1 p.m. & 4 p.m. Saturday

A Guinness cookoff is one of the many events during the new Celtic festival.(Photo11: Submitted)

You may remember the soaring birds and jelly fish during last year’s Festival International. That production was the work of Wanderlust Theater, which will perform a 15-minute, kid-friendly puppet show that tells the tail of an old Irish Legend and will feature colorful imagery and Celtic characters. The story is of a famed Irish warrior who fell for the charms of Niamh (Neeve) of the long hair and ran off with her to the land of eternal youth.

Daveron and a network of talented individuals, including Joel Savoy and Pete Dawson, created the script, the narration, the music, and the recordings for the production. Daveron is excited to get a chance to work with Wanderlust on the collaboration. “Since then we have handed over the recording to Wanderlust and are excitedly anticipating the results.”

Be sure to check out other activities like the Tir Na Nog (kids’ tent), a children’s music competition and a Bailey’s bake-off and a Guinness cook-off. For music lineup and additional information, visit celticbayoufest.com.